Iraqi and US forces killed ISIS deputy leader Abdullah Maki Mosele al-Rifai in a joint operation. Prime Minister al-Sudani hailed it as a major victory against terrorism.
Abu Khadija: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Friday the killing of Islamic State senior leader Abdullah Maki Mosele al-Rifai, also known as ‘Abu Khadija.’ The operation was conducted by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and US forces in a joint campaign.
How was Abu Khadija killed?
According to Iraqi security officials, the operation took place in the western Anbar province, where al-Rifai was targeted in an airstrike. The operation began Thursday night, and his death was confirmed on Friday. Al-Rifai had long been considered a threat to Iraq and global security.
US Confirmation
US President Donald Trump confirmed the action on his social media platform, Truth. He wrote, "A fugitive ISIS radical was killed today in Iraq. Our brave warriors, in coordination with the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, hunted him down and eliminated him."
Continued Pressure on ISIS
Since the killing of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by US forces in 2019, the organization has significantly weakened. Many top leaders have been eliminated since Baghdadi's death. However, ISIS continues to attempt terrorist attacks from time to time.
Major Victory Against Terrorism in Iraq
Prime Minister al-Sudani stated, "The Iraqi people continue to secure their victories against terrorism. The killing of Abu Khadija is a major achievement in the fight against terrorism." Iraqi security agencies continue operations to eliminate remaining ISIS terrorists.
